Kaili Mclaren with coach Paul Goriss as the WNBL grand final draws to a close.Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

McLaren was only due to stay with the Capitals until December 6 on a short-term contract to fill the void left by superstar Marianna Tolo for the opening months of the season.

Tolo was always going to return from an anterior cruciate ligament tear, but that didn't stop McLaren from raising the prospect of signing an extension with coach Paul Goriss.

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Capitals officials were left to crunch the numbers and analyse the viability of keeping the import given they already boasted a star-studded roster.

When it came time for Goriss to decide whether or not he wanted to keep the 30-year-old as Canberra charged towards their first title in nine years, he simply couldn't say no.

"The biggest shock for me was I had injured my knee, so I was still hobbling and they still wanted to keep me," McLaren said.

"I was like ‘who, really?’ That never usually happens, especially overseas. I’m just very grateful for the opportunity and I couldn’t be more thankful for coach, Graffy [Carrie Graf] and everyone who allowed this to happen."

Goriss has two main attributes he is looking for when it comes to recruiting - talent and character. He quickly realised he had a winner in McLaren, who for so long has been the lifeblood of the group.

Canberra Capitals coaches and players cheer as they realise their dream of winning the championship.Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

Goriss couldn't help but break into laughter when McLaren asked "there were some chants for coach Brownie [Phil Brown] to come in and take over as coach, especially in that first half, what do you have to say about that?"

But now, surely Goriss' status as a championship-winning coach must mean he is doing something right?

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"Well, what ya’ll don’t know is Brownie is the real coach. Gorrie is just a fake… nah I’m just playing," McLaren said.

"I love Gorrie, he’s an awesome guy. As much as he gives me crap, I’ve got to give it back, so I’ma keep doing it."

Now McLaren heads home, three months after she had initially planned. And she has a little bit of extra jewellery to take home in the form of a championship ring.

"Especially with everybody at this level, everybody has personal goals and things they want to accomplish. The fact everybody was able to put that to the side and just do what the team needed, and do what was best for the team, was incredible.